October 2014 posts

October 30, 2014

The month of October has been very hectic. We just completed our third show in 4 weeks. But this one was not local, it was in Houston TEXAS at the International Quilt Market. Our company Rose & Meyer there with a teeny tiny booth on the last row in the back corner. This is it; a table with some samples and some posters. We showed only the items that we thought were appropriate to the show; our vintage flowers stamens from Germany, Cotton woven trims from Sweden, and our vintage machine embroidered appliques.

We also launched my series of patterns and kits at the market, these were very well received and soon to be sold in a shop near you perhaps, in addition to our shop in Stillwater, MN and our web-shop. Along with my two existing patterns; "Wool Rose Pin" pattern and kit and "Pumpkin Pincushion" pattern and kit, we launched three new patterns that are currently in production; "Megan's Bag" pattern, "Makenzie's Essentials" small bag pattern and my "Elfin Stocking" pattern, all coming soon.

While the booth setup was so much easier than Junk Bonanza or Scrapbook Expo, traveling by plane, shuttle, taxi and by foot was more of a challenge.

{For instance}

At the Minneapolis airport on our way to Houston, we only checked one "bag" between the two of us, it was our box with the booth displays in it. We were very careful to keep the weight under 50lbs, but did not realize that there was such a strict size restriction. All three dimensions; L x W x H , when added together needed to be under 62 inches, our box dimensions came to 68 inches. So, not only did we have to pay the annoying fee for ONE checked bag, $25, but we had to pay an EXTRA $175 for the extra 4 inches of the box. There were two of us checking one "bag" between us. You think they would have charged maybe $50 between us but no, $200 to check the box. Thanks Delta!!

{NOT}

{We shipped the box home from Houston UPS, it cost $30. Ya live and learn}

There were a few other crazy, annoying overcharges on our trip, but we did have a fabulous time after all. Our room at the Sam Houston Hotel was very nice, we dined at some great restaurants and spent time with some new and old friends. Speaking of old friends, it was so nice to spend time with my friend Kaari Meng again. In preparation to the show we worked on a "Booth Swap". Where I gave away instructions for my fabric rose and some vintage flower stamens. Using Kaari's newest French General for Moda fabric line "Bon Voyage". We gave a kit away to take and make, until they ran out. Both booths needed to be visited to complete the project. Another one of Kaari's great ideas. Fun to make with the 2.5" squares in the mini charm packs. As you can see I started with darker prints in the middle and worked outward in a circular pattern. Just to be nice, I thought you would like the instructions to make one for yourself.

{Obviously drawing is not my forte, someday I will pretty them up in Illustrator.}

We also visited with Brooke from Hannah's Silk Ribbons, Sheila from Rennaisance Ribbons, Michelle Muska with her new quilt book!! Gonna get me a copy. And our newest BFF's from Missouri Star Quilt Co. Jean, Gina, Ben and Jenny. Stay tuned for some exciting news about a joint project with them!

October 16, 2014

I hardly had time to get the shop put back after Junk Bonanza, when I needed to create our very first Scrapbook Expo booth.First we needed to convert some of the wall panels to pegboard, which means Bob had to make brand new ones to match the booth. Then I got to cover them with vintage wallpaper.

Today, after Bob and Erik set up the booth in the Education building at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, I got it ready for paper crafters. It just so happens this is much closer to us in Stillwater. It took a mere 30 minutes to get there this morning. They should all be this easy.

This is a two day event, and looks like a lot of great vendors will be there with their crafting wares, lots of classes and fun demos. On Friday the 17th it goes from 9:00 to 6:00 and on Saturday the 18th from 9:00 to 5:00.

The booth looks familiar doesn't it? Take note that we have never had this much Dresden scrap packaged and on display EVER. Not in a booth, not in our shop, nor, dare I say does anyone else in this country have this big of a collection. After the show we plan to set up the booth inside our permanent shop when we are not at a show. How fun is that!

Don't forget we have the best, purest glass glitter from Germany in our own custom colors.

Have you ever seen 31 colors of Dennison crepe paper folds all at once? Or all of our 16 colors of "Gloria" double sided crepe paper from Germany?

Please note that we are NOT OPEN this weekend at the permanent shop in Stillwater, (so drive that 30 minutes to the Expo). I do have Megan covering the shop next Saturday the 25th while we are in Houston!!! Oh gosh not another show!